Authority consultant disputes accusations of some commissioners

Officials from Greentree Solid Waste Authority and the Lincoln County Commission are basing their authorization to approve rate increases on different documents, Greentree's consultant said Thursday.

In a summary of the authority's position in reference to the commission's rejection of a Greentree-approved rate hike at its special meeting Tuesday, Operational Consultants head Joe Lewandowski wrote that commissioners are referencing county ordinances and the GSWA is referencing the Joint Powers Agreement that formed and describes the powers of the authority. But members of the GSWA board are pleased with the suggestion offered by Commissioner Preston Stone to call in a mediator to try to resolve the issues with the two sides at the table, he wrote.

Lewandowski contended that GSWA repeatedly asked for a joint meeting with the commission to discuss issues raised in litigation filed against the county and the proposed rate increase. Some of those requests were through the county's representative on the authority board, Commissioner Mark Doth, he said, adding, "This did not produce any results for whatever reason."

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Rather than refute some of the statements by Doth and Commission Chairman Jackie Powell from a commission meeting July 9, that preceded Stone's call for a mediator, Lewandowski wrote that the GSWA prefers to focus on trying to resolve matters. He pointed out that although several GSWA officials attended that commission meeting, they were not allowed to speak. "GSWA representatives just had to sit there and listen to the accusations specifically from Commissioners Doth and Powell," he wrote. "Also at that meeting was an attorney for the New Mexico Finance Authority, (there) to express concerns (about Greentree's outstanding debt and revenue shortfall) and the need to find a resolution to these issues." That representative also was not given a chance to speak, he wrote.

The consultant clarified that a public hearing was called and advertised to air the proposed rate increase of $2.64 per month at the May 30 Greentree meeting. Doth wanted to table the hearing, contending it was unnecessary, he wrote. The rate increase was approved by Greentree July 1.

Lewandowski also disputed a statement he attributed to the county attorney that GSWA has done nothing to reduce costs and is only interested in raising rates. "Immediately after the loss of revenue from Alto Lakes (Water and Sanitation District withdrawing from service), other revenue losses due to the Little Bear Fire and the economy downturn, seven GSWA employees were laid off and as of today, that number now is 12." The cutback puts a strain on the remaining staff, he contended.

"Every GSWA meeting since November 2012 has (included a) discussion (of) the shortfalls, rates, budgets and looking for solutions," he wrote. "It appears (the county attorney) was not informed by Commissioners Doth and Powell of all the actions that were going on at the GSWA meetings."

One ray of hope at the commission's Tuesday meeting was Stone's suggestion for a mediator and a renewed effort to resolve issues, supported by Commissioners Dallas Draper and Kathryn Minter, Lewandowski wrote.

"That is what GSWA has been working towards," he stated. "It is my understanding that process is now in motion. Let's hope that does occur. GSWA is an example of how government entities can work together for the benefit of all citizens. We are a partnership between Lincoln County and the towns of Ruidoso, Capitan, Corona, Carrizozo and Ruidoso Downs. This has even extended to a successful partnership with Otero County, the city of Alamogordo, village of Tularosa and Cloudcroft on possibly the most successful landfill operation in the state of New Mexico."

He invited any customers or residents of the area who want to view relevant documents or listen to meeting tapes to secure an accurate rendition of what has been occurring, to contact GSWA's office.

"Everything related to this matter is there for the viewing," he wrote.

"Hopefully, due to the actions of Commissioners Stone and Draper, along with Minter, we may be headed in the right direction,"